Gingival Graft: What One Needs to Know!

Introduction

In the field of dental health, there is a special procedure which is called gingival grafts that helps to restore the health and strength of the gum tissue Although not as eye-catchy as other dental treatments like filling and extraction, gingival grafts are the saviors whenever it comes to gum recession and stabilizing the jawbone to the teeth. Here, let’s see the importance of gingival grafts, explain their process, and point out their advantages to patients.

Gum recession, a pervasive dental problem, happens when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth is reduced i.e. it wears away or pulls back exposing the tooth roots. This can result in numerous problems including tooth sensitivity, losing its aesthetic effect, and in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss if it remains untreated. Gingival grafts, or gum grafts, are a type of surgery that protects the receding gums from the exposure of the tooth roots by supplementing the gum tissue that covers them.

The process starts with a thorough assessment by the dentist, which will point out the degree of gum recession and the most effective treatment plan. By harvesting the tissue from another part of the mouth (i.e., the palate), the dentist will then use this to graft it to the area with receding gums. Rather, synthetic materials or tissues from others can be used.

What Are the Different Types of Gingival Grafts?

There are several types of gingival grafts, including:

• Connective Tissue Grafts: In most cases, where a piece of the skin is cut from the roof of the mouth, and tissue underneath is removed to allow for stitching to the recessing gums.
• Free Gingival Grafts: Grafting like connective tissue grafts but they involve taking tissue from the roof of the back of the mouth or third flap.
• Pedicle Grafts: In this case, instead of covering the base of the tongue by the flap of tissue, which is taken from the palate, the flap is taken from the healthy surrounding gum tissue.

The decision about what kind of grafting should be used depends on the level of recession, patient conditions, and dentist experience.

The usual advice post-surgery is that patients follow a certain care plan that is meant to ensure faster healing and reduce the risk of infection. This could include brushing and flossing gently as well as not eating hard or crunchy food that could directly interfere with the surgical site. Such precautions may include following any prescribed drugs and mouth rinses. In addition to regular checkups with the dentist, it is of great significance to perform follow-up sessions to identify the progress and concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gingival grafts are invaluable procedures in the field of dentistry, offering effective solutions for gum recession and its associated complications. By restoring gum tissue and preventing further recession, gingival grafts not only improve oral health but also enhance the overall well-being and confidence of patients. If one is experiencing gum recession or has concerns about the health of the gums, consult with the dentist to explore whether gingival grafting may be a suitable option or not.

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To learn more about gingival graft, please refer-?

https://www.icliniq.com/articles/dental-oral-health/treatment-for-periodontitis